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From Candlestick Point State Recreation, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, the East Bay Hills,San Bruno Mountain as well as relax in the peaceful scenery of the park itself. Its location on the western shoreline of the San Francisco Bay provides a variety of recreational opportunities from windsurfing, fishing, bird watching and walking to simply relaxing. The trails, group picnic sites and fishing piers at this urban park offer a get-away of open space and outdoor activities.

Candlestick Point SRA was the first California State Park unit developed to bring state park values into the urban setting. From historic wetlands to landfill to landscaped park, Candlestick Point demonstrates major land use changes of the San Francisco Bay. Its name is derived from 19th century locals who thought the burning of nearby abandoned sailing ships and their flaming masts in the bay resembled lighted candlesticks.

Location

Take the Candlestick Park exit off U.S. 101 in San Francisco.

Seasons/Climate Recommended Clothing

The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.

Activities

Candlestick Point SRA is a unique state park on San Francisco Bay offering a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors.

Wind sheltered individual and group picnic areas have spectacular bay views. There is a 50 person limit per group site; all groups sites are walk-in only.

Windsurfers enjoy the wind-whipped bay along Candlestick’s shores, primarily in the spring and summer.

The park is popular for the fishing opportunities found along its shoreline and on two public piers. The "Old Pier" on Jamestown Avenue is temporarily closed for rehabilitaion. The "Fishing Pier" at Sunrise Point remains open for use. Depending on the season, catches might include halibut, striped bass, perch or sturgeon.

Bird watching is best in the winter when migrant waterfowl and shorebirds are numerous in the bay, but pelicans, egrets and hawks can also be seen throughout the year.

A fitness course along Candlestick’s popular shoreline walking trails is an asset to those who wish to stay in shape.

The park’s Community Garden offers city folk individual garden plots to grow their own vegetables.

More about the park

It was first born during World War II as 170 acres of landfill that was going to be used as a U.S. Navy shipyard. After the war, the landfill remained, but without a purpose. Some of its neighbors found a purpose for it--an easy place to dump their garbage.

Other neighbors sought a different purpose; they wanted to turn it into a park, with grass, trees, shrubs, and flowers. In 1973, the state legislature set aside $10 million to purchase the land. In 1977, the California Legislature voted to develop the land as a state recreation area--the first urban state recreation area.

The park offers hiking, jogging, bicycling, bird watching, informal games, and picnicking. There is a bike path and a fitness course. Candlestick Point is also a popular entry point for windsurfing on the bay.

On any given day, people come to exercise, fish, and just enjoy the experience of "getting away from it all" - a treasured respite from city life. It is also valued as a community park with many frequent visitors from the nearby Bayview/Hunters Point neighorhoods.